Detroit Tigers: Eyebrow-Raising Transactions #20-11

Jul 21, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; The Grinch during the seventh inning stretch of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

17. Craig Paquette. Let go by the 2003 Tigers.

What is it with the Detroit Tigers signing free agents well past their time? Craig Paquette was one of those players. He was a below-average player when he played in his prime and he hit rock bottom when the Tigers gave him a two-year contract worth almost $5 million in 2002 and 2003. He played for 11 years and 5 teams, hitting 99 home runs and batting .239. In his tenure with the Tigers, he hit 4 home runs and batted .189/.288/.502.

He was so bad that the 2003 Tigers – yes, the 2003 Tigers – let him go in April of that year. His career WAR was -1.6. This free agent signing certainly earns more than just raised eyebrows, it earns a shaking of the head, too.

Next: #16 Over Before He Was Signed